AND… before we know it, October is with us and the last term of Girl Guiding for the year is here. Time to finish badges and challenges that have been started during the year, maybe plan end of year camps, and think about all that 2020 will bring. I have fond memories of end of year Guiding camps – even though it was usually hot and with lots of flies.
Jamboree-on-the-Air and the Internet (JOTA/JOTI) will be held on 18-20 October and should not be missed. You can connect with Guiding and Scouting friends not only around Australia but around the world through either an amateur radio network or through the internet. Our organisation is truly global, and JOTA/JOTI gives Guides an opportunity to experience this without travelling.
October is bringing for me time to celebrate with Guiding friends –
I have just enjoyed a wonderful weekend in Hobart with a group of Olave Baden-Powell Society supporters from Australia and New Zealand. We were delighted to welcome Nicola Grinstead, former Chair of the World Board, and Fiona Harnett, National President of Girl Guiding New Zealand. The gathering was updated on the work of WAGGGS around the world and Jen Barron, World Centre manager for Kusafiri shared with us the positive impact of our African World Centre. We enjoyed a visit to the Tasmanian Guide campsite Orana – a beautiful bush setting with the bonus of a beach! I am sure there are many Guides who have camped at Orana who treasure their camping days.
I am looking forward to celebrating 100 years of Girl Guiding in Queensland at the Queensland Centenary Dinner. In 1915, some girls found a copy of the book How Girls Can Help Build Up the Empire in a bookshop in Brisbane and their curiosity was sparked! They formed their own group of Girl Scouts. At a meeting in November 1919 of a group of interested women, including the wife of the Governor, Lady Goold Adams, it was considered many Queensland girls could benefit from Girl Guiding so the Guiding Movement in Queensland was launched officially. And – as they imagined 100 years ago – many, many girls in Queensland have shared great Guiding adventures.
The celebrations for me will continue as RTS Tingira, the Girl Guides NSW and ACT water activities centre celebrates its 50-year anniversary. Congratulations and thank you to all volunteers and supporters who have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure so many girls and women could experience the joy of being on the water.
Although 2020 is just around the corner, there is still so much Guiding to enjoy in 2019!
Happy Guiding,
Rosemary Derwin
Chief Commissioner
